Stingrays’ hope for the future returns after op

RUGBY UNION: Sunshine Coast Stingrays young gun Brendan Mitchell will be thrown in the deep end today when he makes his long awaited return from a shoulder reconstruction.

The 20-year-old has been handed the task of marking former Queensland Reds openside flanker and Super Rugby championship winner Beau Robinson when the Stingrays clash with Souths at Stockland Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Stingrays officials view Mitchell as the kind of player they can build a team around - a product of the local nursery with a big future in front of him.

He is still age eligible for colts competition but has already stamped himself as a standout performer at Premier Rugby level.

"Before he got injured last year, he was going to run away with our player-of-the-year award," coach John Rangihuna said.

"It was going to him first and daylight second.

"It's going to be great to get him back, but we don't have great expectations for his first round back.

"Having said that, he's a great competitor and I'm sure he's going to acquit himself well."

Rangihuna said Mitchell, who injured his shoulder in the early stages of last season, would be eased back into action over the next month.

His game time will be limited to just 40 minutes today, but Rangihuna has had no hesitation in starting him.

Souths are known for their physical approach - and their forward pack looks strong on paper, especially with Robinson in the No.7 jersey.

Mitchell is one of three key inclusions for the Stingrays, with front-rowers Shon Siemonek and Ben Church also making their return.

The Coast will be missing fullback Jay Forrester because of work commitments, and prop James Toovey.

The absence of attacking maestro Forrester is a particularly tough blow, but Rangihuna insists it will not dent his side's intent to play an expansive brand of rugby.

The Stingrays are 1-0 to start the season after a first-up victory over the Gold Coast.

While pleased to have gotten off the mark, Rangihuna said he would have a better idea of where the side stood in the pecking order after today's game.

Having been wracked by injury during their disastrous 2012 campaign, the Stingrays will be close to full strength today for the first time in recent memory.

"We were understrength because of injury last year and we've finally got a good side on the park," Rangihuna said.

"That's the real exciting thing about this game.

"We know we have a bloody good chance of winning this footy game. That feeling wasn't there last year. We had trouble even getting a side on the park."